While once-top-ranked middleweight Paulo Filho (16-1) is less than 48 hours away from his first action of 2009, the Brazilian’s next appearance has already been announced.

Following Filho’s DREAM.10 bout with Melvin Manhoef, the 31-year-old will face Alex Schoenauer (14-9) at a Bitetti Combat event.

Headlined by the return of Ricardo Arona against Marvin Eastman, Bitetti Combat takes place Sept. 12 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The organization currently has no plans to air the event in the U.S, though it will broadcast live on RedeTV! in Brazil.

Filho, who opened his career with 16-straight wins, came in well-overweight in a lackluster performance in the WEC against Chael Sonnen in November 2008. Filho suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Sonnen, then was subsequently treated for depression and chemical-dependency issues. The eight-time PRIDE veteran was once considered among the top middleweights in the world.

Schoenauer, a cast member of the original season of “The Ultimate Fighter” and a 10-time veteran of the now-defunct IFL, last fought in an April 2008 split-decision win over Brendan Barrett. Schoenauer owns notable career victories over Allan Goes, Travis Wiuff and Shannon Ritch in his eight-year career.

Headed by its namesake, multiple-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion and one-time UFC veteran Amaury Bitetti, Bitetti Combat hosted three events between 2002 and 2004. Co-promoters Andre Bottino and Fernando Miranda now hope to revive the organization and bring world-class events to Brazil.

A total of 26 fighters got their chance to shine on Saturday as part of UFC 190 at Rio de Janeiro’s HSBC Arena. Now that UFC 190 is in the books, it’s time to commence MMAjunkie’s “Three Stars” ceremony.

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